SOUTHEND - 3 The new beginning
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I've got to admit, a daily F100 seems like an awful lot of seats for Dresden, particularly when neither the airline nor the city have particular recognition among the British public. Fairly clearly the airline looks to be targeting the German traveller coming to London but I guess time will tell whether this level of frequency ultimately turns out to be too ambitious, if it actually launches that is...
I've got to say I am somewhat surprised at their route choices as neither Dresden nor Saarbrücken would be very high up my list of German cities to serve. I would have thought Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich at the very least would be more popular. From what I understand, OLT seem to have a reasonable sized presence at Dresden and with the fleet expansion, perhaps there would be the potential to expand further or to serve alternative routes depending on how these work out.
I've got to say I am somewhat surprised at their route choices as neither Dresden nor Saarbrücken would be very high up my list of German cities to serve. I would have thought Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich at the very least would be more popular. From what I understand, OLT seem to have a reasonable sized presence at Dresden and with the fleet expansion, perhaps there would be the potential to expand further or to serve alternative routes depending on how these work out.
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For those who didn't get a chance to read the page, although now password locked if you type into google 'olt express germany sen' the first result shows you some info on that page. It headlines as 'OLT Express GMBH - Flugplan - London - Southend (SEN)' and then read the available info below it. 
tophat27dt
You're looking at the Wikipedia entry for the now defunct OLT Express Poland. The Wikipedia Dresden Airport entry says SEN, but then that may have come from here.
Mind you it did seem to me yesterday that SEN were perhaps rather surprised by the story, so who knows. It certainly doesn't leave much time to market the route before launch.
You're looking at the Wikipedia entry for the now defunct OLT Express Poland. The Wikipedia Dresden Airport entry says SEN, but then that may have come from here.
Mind you it did seem to me yesterday that SEN were perhaps rather surprised by the story, so who knows. It certainly doesn't leave much time to market the route before launch.
As all are aware, OLT Express will find life easier at Southend if they can gain some UK originating traffic, rather than relying purely on German originating traffic. Without a strong brand in the UK, I assume that anyone thinking of booking a ticket would Google the company to check they are a plausible outfit.
I really do hope that OLT Express (Germany) do something about their brand name.
If I Google "OLT Express", on the first page of results, every link is to the Polish carrier, with 4 of the links referring to people being stranded, bankruptcy, and the airline being grounded.
Route seems to begin in less than 5 weeks - hope this is enough time to get forward bookings going.
Oh yeah - and an option on the homepage to switch from German to English might be nice.
Don't get me wrong - I really would like to see this route work, but I can just see a bit of an uphill struggle ahead.
I really do hope that OLT Express (Germany) do something about their brand name.
If I Google "OLT Express", on the first page of results, every link is to the Polish carrier, with 4 of the links referring to people being stranded, bankruptcy, and the airline being grounded.
Route seems to begin in less than 5 weeks - hope this is enough time to get forward bookings going.
Oh yeah - and an option on the homepage to switch from German to English might be nice.
Don't get me wrong - I really would like to see this route work, but I can just see a bit of an uphill struggle ahead.
Last edited by davidjohnson6; 30th Aug 2012 at 13:06.
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Saarbrucken?????
I lived and worked in Luxembourg for a few years, Saarbrucken is a poor person's Luxembourg, very few people actually want to fly to/from there, correct me if I am mistaken but has there ever been a LHR/Saarbrucken service? ..... And if LHR/Saarbrucken isn't viable then go figure what chances SEN, LGW, STN, LTN or wherever ..... such a route will last about one season or less
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Saarlouis is also a decent sized city not far from Saarbrucken, but I am a bit worried about the Saturday schedule (Dep SEN 0715). How do they expects passengers to get from London. There are no trains. This is where I am sure one day Stobarts will ensure things change on that rail-link. Dresden is not yet confirmed but is written about in many press releases around Europe. A lovely city, well worth a 3 nights short break. A flattened city from WW2, and now lovingly restored. Good luck to all. 
0528 from London Liverpool Street arrives 0632 at Southend Airport.
Just about OK for those who have already checked in on the web and printed out their boarding card, have no luggage, have no mobility issues (e.g. difficulty walking), prepared to take a bit of a gamble on the train not being too late / cancelled, and would not consider it a disaster if they ended up missing the flight.
For anyone who doesn't meet all those conditions and are coming by train from London, I agree there are issues with an 0715 departure
Just about OK for those who have already checked in on the web and printed out their boarding card, have no luggage, have no mobility issues (e.g. difficulty walking), prepared to take a bit of a gamble on the train not being too late / cancelled, and would not consider it a disaster if they ended up missing the flight.
For anyone who doesn't meet all those conditions and are coming by train from London, I agree there are issues with an 0715 departure
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One could argue that three easyJet flights depart before 0730 every morning, but they are holiday makers..friends can drop them off by car, etc...but for foreigners visiting London, it could be a bit tight to make that first train. Pax from Saarbrucken are used to early departures, our two Luxair flights position in via SCN every morning just after 0630! Will OLT Express only operate FK100s? what about Saab 2000s and Dornier 328s?
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London Southend Airport tries to process all passengers as efficiently as possible. London Southend Airport advises all scheduled flight passengers to arrive two hours before the scheduled departure of their flight.
Passengers with hand luggage only can check in up to 40 minutes before take-off. All passengers with hold luggage should check in at least one hour before their flight is due to take off.
Passengers should be aware that the terminal building is open between 04:00 and 00:00. All passengers arriving before 04:00 will not be allowed access to the terminal.
Passengers with hand luggage only can check in up to 40 minutes before take-off. All passengers with hold luggage should check in at least one hour before their flight is due to take off.
Passengers should be aware that the terminal building is open between 04:00 and 00:00. All passengers arriving before 04:00 will not be allowed access to the terminal.
I have read comments on other websites that the airport makes passengers stand outside if they arrive too early while the staff look out of the windows at them. I didn't believe it until I read the airports website and it is true!!! Come on Southend the terminal must be staffed overnight so why make your passengers wait outside in the cold and rain. This is supposed to be a London Airport and not a bus stop.
Last edited by LTNman; 30th Aug 2012 at 22:24.